Cheat Sheet

Diabetes For Dummies (UK Edition)

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly respond to insulin – a hormone that you need in your body to convert sugar and other food into the energy needed for daily life. This Cheat Sheet gives you some of the essential, need-to-know information that you might find handy.

Appropriate Standards for Continuing Diabetes Care

It is important to be aware and keep track of the various visits and checks that will occur in order to ensure the correct standard of your diabetes care. Print out and pin up the following guidelines to keep as a reminder.

Frequency of visits:

Daily if starting insulin

Monthly to 3 monthly (depending on type of medication) for starting oral drugs or changing treatment

Quarterly if on insulin or not meeting targets

Every 4–6 months if stable and not on insulin

History discussed at each visit:

Frequency and severity of hypoglycaemia

Results of blood glucose self-monitoring

Changes in treatment

Problems with compliance

Lifestyle changes

Symptoms of complications

Psychosocial issues

New medication

Other medical conditions

Physical checks to occur at each visit:

Blood pressure

Weight

Foot exam if neuropathy exists

Previous abnormal physical findings

Physical checks to occur at least annually:

Dilated eye exam by doctor or community diabetic retinopathy clinic

Foot examination and filament test for foot sensation

Lab tests:

Blood glucose every visit

Haemoglobin A1c every 3-6 months

Fasting lipid profile yearly

Microalbumin measurement yearly if urine protein negative

Ten Commandments for Great Diabetes Control

Here is a list of ten commandments for keeping your diabetes under control. Follow these commandments and your problems should be few and far between.

Monitor your glucose levels frequently if advised

Adhere to a healthy diet

Get the necessary tests

Exercise regularly

Commit to learning about your diabetes

Take your medication as prescribed

Maintain a positive attitude

Plan ahead for everyday situations likely to challenge you

Take special care of your feet

Have regular eye exams

Individuals at Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

People belonging to the following groups should talk to their general practitioner about the possibility of testing for type 2 diabetes and about lifestyle changes that can help to prevent the development of diabetes:

Obesity, especially abdominal obesity

First-degree relative with type 2 diabetes

Past history of gestational diabetes or having a baby born weighing over 9 pounds